Idonije visits Titans

Phil Emery said Saturday the Chicago Bears still have interest in veteran free agents, including defensive lineman Israel Idonije, but things could be picking up for the veteran elsewhere.

Idonije visited the Tennessee Titans on Monday, an NFL source confirmed. The news was first reported by ProFootballTalk.com.

The Bears have had a standing offer for Idonije, 32, to return but obviously it’s short of what he has been seeking or a deal would have been done weeks ago.

The veteran played in all 16 games last season and started the first 11 at left end before Corey Wootton was promoted. Idonije spent time playing at tackle during the stretch run, a position he has played plenty in the past. He had 7 1/2 sacks, the second-highest total in his career, playing on a one-year contract worth $2.5 million.

The market for veterans, especially those on the wrong side of 30, has been soft this offseason. That has forced many players to take deals for the minimum or close to it. What the Bears have offered Idonije is not known but it’s believed to be a good cut into what he was paid in 2012.

The Bears could use Idonije even though more is planned for defensive end Shea McClellin, the first-round pick last year. Nick Collins and Andre Fluellen are the only experienced players on the interior behind starters Henry Melton and Stephen Paea. His versatility would be a plus.

The Titans focused their draft on the offense and secondary and used only one pick on a defensive lineman – LSU end Lavar Edwards, who was selected in the fifth round.